HS Codes for Motorcycle Tires and Inner Tubes (HS 2022)

HS Codes for Motorcycle Tires and Inner Tubes

Every export declaration, commercial invoice and import entry needs a commodity code. For tire shipments the question comes up constantly: which code covers motorcycle tires, and what about the inner tubes packed in the same container?

This guide sets out the six-digit Harmonized System (HS) codes exactly as the World Customs Organization (WCO) writes them, and explains how to find the longer national code your customs authority uses. It doesn't give duty rates, and it isn't a classification ruling. For that, your customs broker or the destination customs authority has the final word.

What an HS code is

The HS is the international product nomenclature maintained by the WCO. According to the WCO, it "comprises more than 5,000 commodity groups; each identified by a six digit code," and "is used by more than 200 countries and economies as a basis for their Customs tariffs."

The structure works in layers:

• Chapter (2 digits): Chapter 40 is rubber and articles thereof.
• Heading (4 digits): for example 40.11, new pneumatic tyres of rubber.
• Subheading (6 digits): for example 4011.40, tyres of a kind used on motorcycles.

The first six digits are the same in every country that uses the HS. After that, each country adds its own digits, usually to 8 or 10, for its tariff and statistics. That's why a code that works for one destination may need different final digits for another.

The WCO also notes that "the HS Committee also prepares amendments updating the HS every 5 – 6 years." The codes below are from the HS 2022 edition. Always check which edition your destination customs applies.

Motorcycle and bicycle tires: heading 40.11

Heading 40.11 reads: "New pneumatic tyres, of rubber." Its subheadings in HS 2022 are:

So for new rubber pneumatic tires:

• motorcycle tires: 4011.40
• bicycle tires: 4011.50

Note the word "new" in the heading. Whether a motorcycle tire is tube-type (TT) or tubeless (TL) doesn't change the heading, because 40.11 covers new pneumatic tyres as a whole. If you're unsure which type you're shipping, our TT vs TL guide explains the difference.

Used, retreaded and solid tires: heading 40.12

Heading 40.12 reads: "Retreaded or used pneumatic tyres of rubber; solid or cushion tyres, tyre treads and tyre flaps, of rubber."

The point for tire exporters: used tires are not in 40.11. If a shipment contains used tires, they belong under 40.12, and many countries apply separate rules to used tires. Check the destination's import requirements before quoting.

Inner tubes: heading 40.13

Heading 40.13 reads: "Inner tubes, of rubber." It has only three subheadings in HS 2022:

Bicycle inner tubes have their own subheading: 4013.20.

There is no six-digit subheading named for motorcycles under 40.13. Reading the text as written, a motorcycle inner tube isn't a car, bus, lorry or bicycle tube, so it falls under 4013.90, "Other." Some national tariffs then split 4013.90 further at 8 or 10 digits, sometimes with a line specifically for motorcycle tubes. Confirm the full code in the destination tariff.

The tube material (natural rubber or butyl) doesn't change the six-digit code either: the heading says "of rubber." If you're comparing materials for other reasons, see natural rubber vs butyl inner tubes.

Mixed shipments: tires and tubes in one container

It's normal to ship motorcycle tires and inner tubes together. On the commercial invoice and packing list, list them as separate lines, each with its own code:

• motorcycle tires: 4011.40 (plus national digits)
• motorcycle inner tubes: 4013.90 (plus national digits)
• bicycle tires, if any: 4011.50
• bicycle tubes, if any: 4013.20

Separate lines also make it easier to match quantities and weights to the packing list. Our outer tire calculator and inner tube calculator help you work out volumes for each line.

How to find the full national code

The six digits above are only the start. Here's how to get the rest.

1. Start from the six-digit subheading in the tables above.
2. Open the destination country's official tariff. Examples:
   • European Union: the TARIC consultation database from the European Commission lets you search by goods code and by origin or destination country, and search descriptions in the EU's languages.
   • United States: the Harmonized Tariff Schedule search from the US International Trade Commission.
   • Other countries: use the customs authority's official tariff website, not a third-party list.
3. Drill down under your six-digit code and read every national line beneath it. Pick the line whose wording matches your product.
4. Check the edition and date. Tariffs change. Use the version in force when the goods are declared.
5. Ask before you ship if more than one line could apply. Your customs broker can advise, and many customs authorities can give a formal advance ruling on classification.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a code from a website or an old invoice without checking it. Codes and national subdivisions change between HS editions.
• Putting tubes under a tire code (or the other way round). Tires are 40.11; tubes are 40.13.
• Using 4013.20 for motorcycle tubes. That subheading is "of a kind used on bicycles."
• Treating used tires as new. Used pneumatic tyres are 4012.20, not 40.11.
• Copying the exporter's national code for the importer. The first six digits match; the rest are set by each country.

FAQ

What is the HS code for motorcycle tires?

For new pneumatic rubber tires of a kind used on motorcycles, the six-digit HS 2022 subheading is 4011.40. Your destination country adds further digits.

What is the HS code for motorcycle inner tubes?

Heading 40.13 has no motorcycle subheading. Its subheadings are 4013.10 (cars, buses, lorries), 4013.20 (bicycles) and 4013.90 (other). Reading the text, motorcycle tubes fall under 4013.90. Confirm the full national code with the destination tariff.

What is the HS code for bicycle tires and tubes?

New pneumatic bicycle tires are 4011.50. Bicycle inner tubes are 4013.20.

Does tube-type or tubeless change the HS code?

Not at six digits. Heading 40.11 covers new pneumatic tyres of rubber, and its motorcycle subheading 4011.40 doesn't separate TT from TL. Some national tariffs may add detail below that level.

Where can I check duty rates?

In the destination country's official tariff, such as the EU's TARIC database or the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule. This guide doesn't list rates because they differ by country and change over time.

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